“Pierette Simpson’s heartfelt, engaging prose and her insight make the reader marvel at the depth of her research and her knack for expressing human emotion with the written word. Real pleasure to read!”

”—Kevin McMurray: New York Times journalist, diver, author of Dark Descent and Deep Descent

Appalling, yet not surprising for Italy’s justice system. It took the courts two a half years to impose 16 years of prison to Captain Schettino of the infamous Costa Concordia. Although it may seem a lot of years, he won’t … Continue reading →

From somewhere I heard, “Don’t be chicken! Get your suit on!” It was Patrick beckoning me, if not daring me. He’s nine, too. Why can’t I be as brave as he is? Now I felt really shy, especially since we … Continue reading →

Vanity Fair’s feature on the Costa Concordia is a must read. In chronological order, it encompasses all parties involved: survivors, crew (esp. the captain), Italian Coast Guard and divers, the heroic mayor of Giglio, the townspeople, etc. with great detail. … Continue reading →

Prologue — July 26, 1956 — “Don’t jump!” we heard the crewman beg from above. “Wait your turn for the rope! Everybody, wait your turn!” Is Patrick going to listen to an adult for the first time? I wondered in … Continue reading →

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16823955 After reading your article, I’m appalled at many things: the flagrant behavior of cruise companies, flag states who refuse to comply in a timely manner to their responsibilities, Costa’s track record. As an author and world authority on the … Continue reading →

” Do you relive the whole experience each year on this day?” a dear friend asked me, referring to the 55th anniversary of the collision and sinking of Italian luxury liner, Andrea Doria. This is what I explained: It’s a … Continue reading →

Lampedusa, 9 May (AKI) – An Adnkronos journalist who helped save the lives of around 30 children aboard a migrant boat that hit rocks off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday, has described the dramatic rescue to Adnkronos … Continue reading →

By Ray Massey 26th March 2011 Every bolt and rivet: Motor specialists Haynes have produced a manual for the Titanic If only they’d had this book when the Titanic hit the ice-berg… who knows how it might have all turned … Continue reading →

Notes on Vessels and Marine Events that changed History: · The Sinking of Titanic rocked the shipping world to its core. The reaction came in the form of the International Convention For Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) and subsequent … Continue reading →

I don’t usually promote myself on this blog, but for the holidays, I will make this exception for those who may be interested. Award Winning Publications in print and audio CD: Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue … Continue reading →